Phipps recommends:
Cornelian Cherry Dogwood

Featured

Enjoy the grandeur of gothic revival as gargoyles peer out from colorful summer annuals.

Brilliant summer annuals are juxtaposed with gothic gargoyles and other architectural elements. The Palm Court features massive gargoyle statues—one of which is six feet tall and weighs 1,000 pounds—surrounded by exotic begonias, impatiens and primrose. Carved faces encircled by foliage, known as green men and prevalent in Romanesque architecture, appear in the Fern and Stove Rooms. In the Sunken Garden, Venetian griffins and winged lions are displayed alongside working gargoyle spouts, bougainvillea, hibiscus and geraniums. The Broderie Room’s French garden displays the softer side of gothic art with feminine sculptures and yellow petunias.

The show includes collaborations with three local artists: Tolin FX, an artist studio which created replications of three Pittsburgh churches in the South Conservatory; Kevin Wenner and his team, who pieced together an 8-foot cityscape in the Victoria Room; and Joshua Space, who gathered branches, wood and dried leaves to create three floating gargoyles in the East Room.

Every garden should have a gargoyle: After you experience our collection, visit The Shop at Phipps, where garden gargoyles and other gothic gifts abound.

Summertime Gargoyle Nights: Every Friday through Sept. 10, visit the Conservatory between 5 and 9 p.m. for Summertime Gargoyle Nights. The cafe features discounted appetizers and $4 hard lemonade made with fresh-squeezed lemons, summer fruit purees and vodka. Docent-led gargoyle tours, presented in collaboration with Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, are free with general admission. Our tour guides will tie the gargoyles, griffins and green men featured in the rooms of the Conservatory to similar gothic architecture in the city of Pittsburgh, offering fascinating historical tidbits, myths and legendary tales along the way. Tours begin at 6 and 7:30 p.m. $20 combo tickets are available and include admission, "gargoyle bites" in the cafe and the tour.



Other Featured Exhibits & Events

Red, Ripe & Roasted: Tomato & Garlic Festival
Aug. 29, 2010
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Celebrate the bounty of summer at Phipps' sixth annual Tomato & Garlic Festival, which features two of summer's tastiest crops. Enjoy an afternoon of tastings, demostrations and a farmers' market. Bring a donation for the Food Bank and receive free admission to the festival.
Phipps Sparkler 2010: Toasting America's EcoFABULOUS Garden
Oct. 14, 2010
6-9:30 p.m.
Mark your calendar now for Phipps' most celebrated annual event, complete with fine food and stunning fleur couture. Proceeds benefit the excellent exhibits and garden programs of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
 
Up, Up and Agave!
Ongoing
Phipps' Agave americana, estimated to be between 40 and 50 years old, is in the midst of a spectacular transformation as its central stalk grows at a rate of up to 12 inches per day, literally through the roof of Phipps’ Desert Room. Visit often to witness the rise (and fall) of this mighty succulent, which will reach 30 feet or more into the sky and bear a number of yellow, tubular flowers before slowly collapsing and dying. Update: The agave is in bloom! Visit the outdoor Japanese Garden to see the sunshine yellow flowers.
Butterfly Forest
April 24, 2010 through September 6, 2010
Like flowers that fly, our butterfly collection will enchant nature-lovers of every age. Watch as butterflies emerge from their chrysalises and flutter among the flowers. You will encounter Western Pennsylvania favorites such as Spicebush Swallowtails and Monarchs in addition to non-native species such as Julias and Zebra Longwings.
Tropical Forest: Headwaters of the Amazon
Now open
Journey to the birthplace of the Amazon River inside our Tropical Forest Conservatory, and experience the exotic plants and cultures of the most diverse region on Earth.
Farmers at Phipps
Wednesdays, June through October, 2010
2:30-6:30 p.m.
Stock up on your veggies and meet local farmers at the second annual Farmers at Phipps market on Phipps Conservatory's historic green. Choose from a variety of local, certified organic and Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) products.